Debunking the Myths Associated with Extraversion

What do you think of when you hear the word extrovert? Someone who is fun and lively, or perhaps someone who is over the top?

Our initial thoughts often filter through an unconscious bias towards certain stereotypes and what behaviour this might represent.

Indeed, it could be argued, using the label 'Extroverts', to categorise a group of people or behaviours in itself could encourage stereotyping. At C-me we are intentional about challenging these judgements and attempt to break down the thoughts and myths associated with so-called 'Extroverts' here.

Where did the Need for Understanding Ourselves Begin?

Humanity has always had a fascination with understanding ourselves and others. Studies from ancient civilisations in Egypt and Greece reveal where psychology and anthropology began. 

The Greek philosopher Hippocrates, from the 4th Century, is one of the most well-known figures of this time. He introduced the idea of the Four Temperaments and the understanding that every person is a mixture of them.

Whilst science has developed over time, we continue to have the same fascination with what makes us all different. Understanding and appreciating our behavioural differences is the key building block of forming flourishing relationships with each other. 

As Carl Jung, the Swiss psychologist, famously stated in the 1920s: “If one does not understand a person, one tends to regard him as a fool.”

The Link Between the Four Temperaments and Extraversion

The Four Temperaments provided much inspiration to Carl Jung's work, which underpins much of C-me's development. 

He introduced the terms introversion and extraversion in 1910 and later in his well-known book Psychological Types, published in 1923. These terms are principally attributed to two attitudes, describing how an individual is stimulated and energised.

Jung then built upon the two attitudes of extraversion and introversion, to develop a four-part framework, named 'four functional types'.

It is these four functions, albeit more sophisticated and complex, that significantly reflect the Four Temperaments. 

Understanding Extraverts

It's commonly thought that Jung's two attitudes of introversion and extraversion are based on how shy or confident someone is. However, these terms describe our preferences for how we focus and get energy.

We see that people with an introverted preference tend to be energised internally, often in their own company. Those with an extraverted preference, on the other hand, tend to be energised externally, often through spending time with others.

It is important to remember the fundamentals of these terms, as they are often misunderstood.

Extroverts

People with extroverted preferences typically find their energy increases when they are around other people. Spending the day around others, for example, networking or at an event, will leave those who display these preferences feeling energised.

Introverts

Those with more introverted preferences might find their energy levels dip when spending large amounts of time in social situations. Unlike extroverted tendencies, introverted preferences might include spending time alone to re-energise after a busy day of networking.

Extraversion

• Lively
• Expressive
• Prefers variety
• Enjoys social interaction
• External processor
• Externally re-energised

De-Bunking Common Myths About Extraversion

Myth #1: Extroverts Lack Depth

Myth #2: Extroverts Talk Too Much

Whilst it is true that extroverted preferences are more talkative than introverted preferences, this does not mean they always talk too much. Extroverts are energised by being with other people, whilst speaking and talking with others is a great way to externally connect and fulfil their re-energising needs. Speaking can also be thinking out loud!

Myth #3: Extroverts Are More Confident Than Introverts

Extroversion is more about the need to express and process externally; it could be recognised as a release of pressure rather than confidence. Culturally, we have built upon another stereotype that associates people who are more vocal with being more confident.

Myth #4: Extroverts Don’t Think Much

Extroverts tend to have a need to process their thoughts with others, but this is not always a necessity. Many extroverts are indeed very deep thinkers. The difference is in the style of thinking. Internal processing can be draining for an extrovert, in a way that is not for introverts.

Myth #5: Extroverts Are Happier People

Extroverts tend to be more visibly expressive, meaning it is easier to spot a happy extrovert. But the reverse is also true; their expressive nature means you’ll be able to spot the miserable ones as well! Introverts probably make the better poker players as they are less visibly expressive; it doesn't make them any less happy or unhappy; it will just be a harder task spotting it!

Myth #6: Extroverts Are Like Duracell Bunnies – They Just Keep Going and Going!

Extroverts feed off social interaction. A 2016 study published by the Journal of Personality found that socialising makes extroverts tired too. It just takes longer for the fatigue to kick in.

Relating Effectively to Extroverts

Communication is built on connection and connection is built on understanding. This means that in order to best relate to extroversion, it is best to learn how to understand and communicate with these preferences.

Returning to the common characteristics given above, some suggestions for communicating in the most valuable way with extraverted preferences are:

• Be lively – Engage in conversation, encourage spontaneity, activity and fun.
• Be expressive – Visibly display emotion and passion.
• Try to be varied with your communication – Use surprise and challenge as a means of motivating.
• Interact socially – Create regular opportunities for interaction with others as this will energise.

Next steps

If you are interested in finding out more, why not consider a C-me Communication Workshop, in which we explore the above ideas, and many more, in greater detail!

This could be just the thing your team needs to further unlock potential and maximise performance.